What Company New Driver to Choose?

Have you looked at the pet policies for Arrow and PTL? Most companies will require that you pay a "pet deposit" usually in the $100-$500 range. Also, have you made arrangements for someone to watch you pet while you are out with the trainer?

Arrow hauls flatbed, so this will require you to work outside in the heat, cold and rain while tarping your load. Are you OK with this? You may also have to climb up a ladder sometimes to properly secure your cargo.

PTL drives "auto-shift" trucks. Not having to shift is one less thing for you to worry about in your first few months on the road. But, after driving an auto for several months are you going to be able to smoothly shift a 10 speed transmission if you change jobs?

The ultimate chose is yours, I just wanted to give you a couple of things to consider. BOL.

 

Your ability to run plenty of miles depends more on your work ethic, your relationship with your dispatcher and your ability to manage your time, than which company you work for. For instance, you get a run from Houston to Phoenix (about 1200 miles) thats due in 3 days. An average driver will take his time and deliver the load "on-time". Someone who is hungry, will get to Phoenix in 2 days and call the receiver to see if he can deliver the load early. Thus, delivering the load and being available for another load.

 

What is your personal reccomendation? Haul like the wind and deliver early and get another dispatch, or take your time and deliver on-time?

Curious as I am about ready to make a choice on company here shortly.

 

If you are running all 48 states, you can be assured to run where it is warm during the Summer, because everywhere is warm during that time of the year.

Come Winter, everybody will fight for southern freight, and you will be up running on Interstate 80 in the cold, Yes, that is what will happen.

Running miles, that is hard to say, as there are many variable. New truck drivers often get discouraged over a lack of miles, but there are many factors that go into it. One of the key factors, is the experience of the driver, and the knowledge of the company they drive for. As you learn to plan your trips properly, learn good communication with your dispatcher, miles will come easier, no matter where you work. The key is learning the system you work in.

 

Would you recommend driving regional or all 48 as a new inexperienced driver?

 

I use to drive for Prime Inc. out of springfield. I worked for them for about 8 or 9 moths. A good company depending on how long you want to stay out. If you want to get home often dont go to them also if you dont want to work hard dont do it. I use to run my max miles a week on my 70 hours with Prime I dont know how often. They pay good for a company driver(I believe it has gone up to .35 per mile). Nice trucks eventhough they are Freightliners they are all really new and low miles. If you are looking to lease they not have both Kenworth T660s and Peterbuilt 389s. A good company and can make good money if you if you dont mind going home only 4 or 5 days a month. Best of wishes to you and God bless. I wish I was still out there running like I use to driving a truck but now I am a Grunt in the Marine Corp. and just cant wait to get back on the road.

 

Oh, get there early if you can. I've rarely had problems getting unloaded/dropping early, and even if you do have to wait you will be in the area. If you burn all your "extra" time en route, you might get held up by something unforeseen.
Your company will want you to move freight, and if you show them right off the bat that you can it there safely and on time/early you're going to have a leg up on the guys who cruise in at the last minute or a half-hour late.